KLRU shares the inspiring stories of the people that are making our community a success! As part of our American Graduate initiative, we’re honoring American Graduate Champions that have been submitted by the community.

Today’s Champion is Constable Maria Canchola! Maria is a community leader and mentor in Austin. She developed a mentor group for at-risk Hispanic students, and she continues to get involved in preventing truancy and students dropping out of school, while assisting the community and advocating for children and their families.

Maria’s nominator, Rosalinda R. Villarreal, says, “Maria continues to empower our families by inviting guest speakers to the group, who motivate and emphasize success for their children and themselves. Our parents have gained the confidence they need to actively participate in their child’s/teen’s education. Among the great successes of this group, parents have become more self-sufficient, positive leaders.”

Do you know someone in our community who is working to improve high school success for students throughout Central Texas? Recognize them as an American Graduate Champion! American Graduate Champions can be students who work as mentors, business leaders who serve as role models, school officials making changes to better the system, parent activists, and even struggling students who are overcoming obstacles in order to graduate.